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Welcome to my website! Here you will find all my latest news, music, videos and information. I will be upgrading and updating as often as I can, so keep checking back often. Be sure to stop by the downloads page and pick up some free instrumental metal. If you want to join me in my relentless networking exploits, add me at the various sites above.

This is a question I get quite often, so I figured I'd share my response to it, publicly. If anyone is interested in my thoughts regarding making a living in the music industry, read on. It's long, and I was kinda in a hurry. Sorry for any typos.

Question-

"I'm a huge admirer of your work, so I thought it would be just logical to ask for your advice as well.

Right now I am completely resetting the goals of my life, and decided to start heading towards music, which is pretty much my biggest passion, and driving force, as I have come to realize.

In a few years time, I want to have my own little home studio at least, and if I could start making a living using that in any way, or just simply get closer to it, then I'd say I'm one step closer to heaven. To achieve this, I am also willing to work like a slave as well, but any suggestions, or any advice would be more than welcome. Like what are some of the mistakes that I should definitely avoid, or basically anything, that jumps to your mind

I made the mistake of selling my guitar 1-2 years ago, after playing it for a good 7 years, just when I finally began to write the kind of music I liked, more and more the way I liked it. First of all, I'm getting one in a few weeks or so, naturally.

What I (think I) really need some advice, tips on is this:

What possibilities would you suggest to make a living from music, or at least in some way working around instruments, while you are not exactly at the level of a professional player yet?

Or, once again, anything, ANY advice at all would be more than welcome, and greatly appreciated!

Thanks for reading this, and keep up the amazing work you do!

Wishing you the best, "

My reply-

"Hello,

Thanks for the kind words! Sorry for the late reply, it's sometimes hard to keep up with the emails I get here on YouTube.

First off, know that although I am currently a working individual in the music industry, I'm not the authority on the subject, by any means. Most of what I'm about to tell you applies strictly to the DIY musician (my situation). I think every working musician's situation is different, and all of them have had to find ways to be successful in their own way. You have to define to yourself what you consider to be successful. I mean, do you want to be able to pay rent, or do you want to show up to NAMM in a helicopter? Set reasonable goals for yourself, meet them, and then set bigger goals.

Secondly, I strongly encourage you to consider how difficult it actually is to become a professional in the music industry. Music is a subjective thing, and it's been devalued so much over the years, that it's almost not realistic to choose the industry as a way to make a living. First and foremost, you have to put your love for your craft above all else. You can't go into it with hopes of making money, because the sad reality is, most people won't. Do it because you love music. If making music is all you ever gain from your endeavors, that should be enough.

If you want to get your foot in the door, I would say the best way to do that is to find a job at a local musical instrument retailer. Work around other people in the industry. Build up your home studio as you work, and start trying to reel in business. Keep in mind, most of what you do while you are building a name for yourself will be "pro bono". Build up a portfolio, then you can start charging people for whatever music-related services you have to offer.

I have a regular job. I do tech support for Seymour Duncan guitar pickups. Being a musician, money has to come in from many different places. Music, merch, endorsements, paid product demos, a job, studio work, recording/production, lessons, etc. Like I said, everyone's situation is a little different. Every working industry person I know has their own unique situation, and have had to find their own way to be successful. There's no formula for it. You carve your own path.

You have to not just be a proficient musician, but a very, VERY savvy business person. You must know how to conduct business, and be absolutely on-point with networking and media.

In other words, it's tough. You have to REALLY want it, and do absolutely everything you can to make it happen. Just be aware that it might not happen. It took me many years before I even saw a single penny from the music industry. My story is a successful one, but there are thousands of people who have tried (and many are still trying) the same thing and did not succeed. It's a huge gamble.

It's part luck, talent, and business/street smarts. Those are just some of the ingredients. It definitely doesn't just happen on it's own. A lot of people tend to think that musicians are lazy people (some are). But, that just isn't the case these days if you want to get anywhere. You have to work harder than the average person, and have a fierce dedication to your own cause. My typical "workday" is 12-14 hours per day, and consists of MANY different music-realated things.

For some people, it just happens organically, while others have to sacrifice everything and eat Ramen their whole lives just to keep the dream alive. Whatever you do, just be smart about it! And just to reiterate, don't do it for the money. Do it because you love the art of making music. If you're good at it, maybe you can turn it into a career. If you're dedicated and hard-working, chances are you'll eventually get paid for the art that you're creating, as long as you're smart about it.

The debut album from my project, Conquering Dystopia is out TODAY!! Features Jeff Loomis and I on guitars, Alex Webster of Cannibal Corpse on bass, and Alex Rudinger of The Faceless on drums. Go pick it up~!

Reunion Blues Gig Bags sent me this really awesome leather gig bag that holds 2 guitars. I’ve had a handful of gig bags over the years, and none of them really seemed like anything special. But this one is easily the highest quality gig bag I’ve seen. Really pleased to jump on their artist roster. This bag came just in time for my international trip next week, and I trust that it’ll keep my guitars safely protected. Thanks Reunion Blues!